In this issue of Healthcare Matters, we are pleased to feature Aqua Protec as our Water Hygiene Company of the Month.
For more than three decades, Aqua Protec has been helping organisations across the UK manage one of the most fundamental, and potentially complex, aspects of building safety: water hygiene.
Founded in 1990 by Jim Carter, the Worcestershire-based business began modestly, with two people travelling around the Midlands offering tank-cleaning services. 35 years later, Aqua Protec remains a family business, with Jim’s daughter, Sophia Carter, now serving as Managing Director. While the company has grown significantly, it’s underlying philosophy remains centred on quality, trust, technical expertise and, above all, protecting people.
Today, Aqua Protec operates nationally from its headquarters at Stockwood Business Park near Redditch, supporting organisations ranging from NHS bodies and hospitals to care providers, schools, hotels, housing organisations, local authorities and commercial businesses.
Healthcare is a particularly important part of the company’s work. Aqua Protec recognises that water safety in healthcare environments carries additional responsibilities, given the potential vulnerability of patients and residents. Its approach is aligned with the rigorous principles of HTM 04-01, alongside relevant legislation, guidance and industry standards, with this level of rigour applied across all the sectors it serves.
Its service offering encompasses Legionella risk assessments, water monitoring and sampling, cleaning and disinfection, TMV servicing, remedial works, planned preventative maintenance and mechanical services. The company also provides analytical testing for organisms including Legionella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli and coliforms, with samples handled through independent UKAS-accredited laboratories.
Technology has become an increasingly important part of that service. Aqua Protec has invested in digital systems including Aqua Remote® and Aqua ProTrack®, designed to improve visibility of water hygiene information, monitoring and compliance activity. However, the technology is intended to complement rather than replace its people, with Project Managers overseeing information and activity.
That balance between technology and human expertise is reflected in Aqua Protec’s purpose-built training facility, where real-world water systems can be recreated for practical learning. The company views water hygiene not simply as a matter of completing scheduled tasks, but as an ongoing responsibility requiring understanding, consistency and effective communication.
With its combination of family-business values, specialist technical knowledge, digital innovation and extensive healthcare experience, Aqua Protec continues to evolve while retaining the principles that have been at the heart of the company since 1990.
We spoke to Steve Buswell, Business Development Manager, about the company’s approach, “For us, it comes down to a combination of people, expertise and visibility.”
“Technology is incredibly useful, but technology on its own doesn’t solve water hygiene problems. You still need experienced people who understand the systems, can interpret the information and, when something unusual happens, can actually find a practical solution.”
“That’s why our engineers and technical teams are so important to us.”
“We also put a lot of emphasis on communication and education. We don’t want to simply send a report to a facilities manager and expect them to work out what it means. Our aim is to take some of that pressure away. If we’re doing our job properly, water hygiene should become something our clients have confidence in rather than another thing constantly sitting on their to-do list.”
Aqua Protec celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2025, marking an important milestone in the company’s development. During that time, it has moved from paper-based reporting and traditional water treatment to increasingly sophisticated digital systems, while continuing to invest in its people, training and technical capabilities.
Innovation, however, is only part of the story. Aqua Protec places strong emphasis on education, helping clients understand their responsibilities, manage risk and feel confident asking questions rather than simply completing a checklist. This approach is reflected in the company’s core values, which include service excellence, integrity, safety, quality, client care and continuous skills development.
The business is also proud of Managing Director Sophia Carter’s Fellowship of the Water Management Society, recognising her experience and contribution to the industry.
Looking ahead, Steve says, “Over the coming years, we want to build on our strength in care and healthcare while expanding into leisure, hospitality and education. We’ll continue investing in Aqua ProTrack® and our digital systems, helping clients turn complex information into clear, actionable insight, while developing stronger partnerships with M&E contractors and continuing to invest in our people and technical expertise.”
Water hygiene is often something we take for granted, yet behind every water system is a responsibility that should never become invisible. For Aqua Protec, the focus goes beyond compliance and technical reports; it is about giving organisations confidence that their water systems are being properly managed and that specialist support is available when needed. Through its expertise, technology and commitment to clear communication, the company helps clients understand and manage water hygiene risks effectively. Ultimately, however, the purpose is simple: protecting people. Every risk assessment, water sample and compliance check contributes to the safety and wellbeing of those who rely on these essential systems every day.
For more information, please see below:
T +44 (0)1386 793690
info@aquaprotec.co.uk
www.aquaprotec.co.uk